Not one of my favourite tasks, people don't understand how difficult it is. No curve though Annie! Get them on competence/mastery!
O you who believe, be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice; and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Be just; that is nearer to observance of duty. And keep your duty to Allah. Surely Allah is Aware of what you do. - 5:8
I actually find it ludicrous that with the real daily evidence of radical Islam confronting you you always post some idealistic verse from the Koran to refute. Your outlook is either intensely pollyannish or simply deflective. I don't know which but its actually becoming rather trite and tiresome. Perhaps you could simply responded to the realism of the issues.
(Note: this is a general statement and not about Hasan)
O you who believe, be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice; and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Be just; that is nearer to observance of duty. And keep your duty to Allah. Surely Allah is Aware of what you do. - 5:8
I actually find it ludicrous that with the real daily evidence of radical Islam confronting you you always post some idealistic verse from the Koran to refute. Your outlook is either intensely pollyannish or simply deflective. I don't know which but its actually becoming rather trite and tiresome. Perhaps you could simply responded to the realism of the issues.
(Note: this is a general statement and not about Hasan)
I've responded to the issue by demonstrating that Hasan's actions contradicted some of Islam's fundamental precepts. He's on his own -- I responded to the incident personally on the thread that was started about it; I have nothing more to say at this point. Pollyannaish is probably one of the last words I'd pick to describe myself.
Thanks, Annie. That respect is reciprocated and I appreciate that you're able to see past the false portrayal of Islam that individuals like Hasan perpetuate. I will be clear, though, and say that I don't oppose using violence to stop others from oppressing Muslims when necessary. I do take issue with the notion that collective punishment is an appropriate way of doing this... the overwhelming majority of our servicemen and women perform their duty honorably.
The so-called radicals within Islam rely on interpreting some passages beyond their clear meanings. In doing so, they neglect the equally-important enjoinments that require peace in most circumstances. One of my goals is making this as clear as possible so that people can judge Islam according to what it actually teaches. My intention has never been to deny the existence or downplay the significance of the teachings you mentioned. They are important to me as well with the exception of lying, which I do not believe to be legitimate.
No, I believe that any person who deprives Muslims of their human rights is a legitimate target, regardless of that person's religious beliefs. Individual soldiers who purposefully kill noncombatants in Iraq, for example, have forfeited their right to life according to Islam. I do not believe that a person's mere presence as a soldier in an Islamic country justifies aggression against them.
The verses that allow violence only do so in specific circumstances, but observing them under those circumstances is necessary if Islam is to be defended. Of course, I'm more inclined toward peace, and both scripture and tradition praise those who choose mercy over retribution. Our right to defend ourselves and respond to enemies with force should be reserved, though. That's what I was trying to say.
Absolutely; I apologize for being unclear.
I'm sure that makes him more credible in the eyes of those who oppose Islam.
He's being tried in a military court, not a civilian one.
